FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, March 25, 1999

Peace Corps to Host Forum on Women's Contributions to Development in Africa; Forum Commemorates Women's History Month and President Clinton's Trip to Africa last year

Washington, D.C., March 25, 1999—As part of Women\'s History Month, the Peace Corps will host a forum focusing on "Women\'s Contributions to Development in Africa" today at 2 pm to commemorate President Clinton\'s trip to Africa last year.

Panelists include Dr. Asha Mohamud of Path International, Monde Munyangwe of National Summit on Africa, Hafsat Abiola of Kudirat Initiative for Democracy, and Sylvia Ojukutu-Macauley of Georgetown University.

Last March, President Clinton met with about 30 Peace Corps volunteers working in Ghana, on the President\'s historic 10-day trip to Africa. President Clinton reviewed several volunteers\' projects, including one that consists of more than 700 women who weave colorful baskets that they now export to stores around the world, including The Body Shop.

Currently, nearly 6,700 Peace Corps volunteers are working in 80 countries to bring clean water to communities, teach children, protect the environment, help start new businesses, and prevent the spread of AIDS. Since 1961, more than 150,000 Americans have joined the Peace Corps.

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